Koch's Freedom Partners Action Fund Registers as Super PAC

A new Super PAC related to operatives of Koch Industries has registered with the Federal Election Commission to make independent expenditures during the 2014 elections.

Freedom Partners Action Fund is based in Arlington, Virginia, with Thomas F. Maxwell as treasurer. The group registered as a Super PAC to raise funds in unlimited amounts, not to make contributions directly to federal candidates, but to make independent expenditures for or against candidates.

The group listed Freedom Partners as its website. Freedom Partners, also based in Arlington, Virginia, is a 501c6 nonprofit organization that "promotes the benefits of free markets and a free society." Freedom Partners "awards grants to organizations to conduct nonpartisan issue advocacy and bring these important societal and economic issues to the public's attention." The establishment of a sister Super PAC, which must disclose its donors, is a new step for the organization, which as a 501c6 is not required to disclose its donors.

Board members of Freedom Partners include Richard Fink, Wayne Gable, and Kevin Gentry. Richard Fink, is executive vice president and a member of the board of directors of Koch Industries. Fink is also chairman of the board and CEO of Koch Companies Public Sector LLC. He is also president of the Charles G. Koch Foundation, and director of the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation. Gable previously served as managing director of international government affairs at Koch Industries. Kevin Gentry is vice president of Koch Companies Private Sector LLC.